GR Yaris WRC 2027 New Toyota rally 1 spec car, not Yaris :(

Few months ago we were discussing future of our Gr Yaris, many implying that it might be down to future rally contender Toyota will pick for 2027 regulations. Yesterday there was first publicly available footage of the brand new challenger, and indeed it is not Yaris

It looks like Toyota is indeed developing brand new shell, which probably will go hand in hand with brand new car model (probably new MR2 or Celica). Obviously it would boost its reputation and sales like Yaris did. From the video footage engine sounds similar to good old 3 cylinder G16E derived from our road legal version, which is also used in already highly successful rally 2 version of Yaris.

Will this influence future of GR Yaris? In my opinion it depends on if the new ruleset will even survive. So far Toyota is only major manufacturer with at least working prototype, with other manufacturers not being that interested in new, pretty controversial ruleset. There are many speculations that in the end Rally 2 will be upgraded to Rally 1, making the top category field more diverse with great rally cars like Skoda Fabia, older Fiestas and more. In that case maybe Toyota would stick to already developed, well known rally 2 Yaris which proved as mighty conteder? Therefore maybe keeping GR Yaris alive?

We will see!

More photos from reddit:
Video from reddit:

adzmofo said:

Surely has to be the Celica and if so, it's always been rumoured that they were also developing a high output 4 cylinder to go with it.

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Yep, but in the provided video you can clearly hear good old 3 banger which is also used in rally 2 Yaris. Obviously current rally 1 Yaris uses unique 4 cylinder engine but they are not using it in this prototpye, maybe they are just testing the shell and new 4 cylinder might not be ready yet. God knows at this point.

VileQuenouille said:

With the new 2027 regulations they don't have to base the car on an existing production model, they can just put any custom shell they want over the space frame and reuse any parts from existing models, like front/rear lights from their cheapest SUV to keep costs down. And the running gear they have to use Rally2 components so I guess Toyota will keep the 3-cyl 1.6l

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Yep, thats why I am afraid Yaris will be shelved. At least its already struggling in EU with more emission restrictions.